Neverland and the Queen's Birthday

This weekend was full of some incredible sights, smells, tastes...and temperatures.  I began my weekend with an early morning stroll through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.  The scenery was picture perfect: lush grounds and tall, ancient trees, fountains, swans...right out of a fairy tale.  The fantasy feeling became even more real when I happened upon a statue of Peter Pan!  It was commissioned in 1912 by the creator of the story himself, J.M. Barrie, who lived close to Kensington Gardens and used them as his inspiration for Neverland.  It amazes me to think that the precious story of "the boy who will never grow up" has been around for over 100 years.

Peter Pan Statue, sculpted by Sir George Frampton and erected in 1912

Gorgeous fountains on the north side of Kensington Gardens

I took a bus over to Buckingham Palace to meet up with some friends, and I was able to see the entire Horse Guard out on parade.  They were rehearsing for the celebration of the Queen's birthday in two weeks!  Although the Queen was born on April 21, it has long been the tradition to celebrate the monarch's birthday publicly on a day in the summer, when good weather is more likely.  The ceremony is called the Trooping of the Colours, and it has been performed since 1748!  I definitely plan to be up bright and early at the gates of Buckingham for such a special occasion.  I found an awesome website that has all sorts of info on the royals, check it out if you are as fascinated by the monarchs of England as I am: http://www.royal.gov.uk.

The Horse Guards rehearsing outside of Buckingham Palace

In addition to celebrating the Queen's birthday, this June marks the 60th anniversary of the Queen's coronation!  There are banners all over the city to proclaim it.  The Queen, her family, and other guests will attend a service in Westminster Abbey today to honor her lengthy reign.  Read more about it on BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22762878. 

Banners all over the city celebrating the Queen's reign

I don't have time to post the rest of the weekend right now, but I would like to share one more thing.  This week at Hillsong Church was every girl's favorite service...BABY DEDICATIONS!  At Grace Bible Church in College Station, there are usually two or three every month at the most.  During this service alone (and there are four services at Hillsong!) TEN beautiful children were dedicated to the Lord.  They were absolutely precious, and I am overjoyed to see so many parents that desire to raise their children under the guidance of their Father.

Baby dedications at Hillsong Church

The rest of the weekend will be posted soon, with plenty of pictures!  Come back to hear about Borough Farmer's Market, Tower Bridge, my first taste of Lebanese food, and the ice bar on Regent Street!  If you're reading this right now, I know it means you love me, and I want to hear how you're doing.  Message me on Facebook, write me a letter, send an email, download Viber, whatever floats your boat.  I honestly am so blessed because I haven't been homesick yet, but you never know when it'll hit me...so please stay in touch!

Much love,
Hayley